organs – why YOU should donate
Ever think about what it means to be an organ donor? Ever wonder how to do it? Or even if you could donate, given the need? At one time or another you will be faced with this decision. Whether it’s at the time you recieve your license for the first time, or when you have a family, or perhaps if someone in your family becomes ill and is in need of a donation. Here are my 5 reasons why you should think even more about it.
1. it HELPS!
Each organ and tissue donor saves or improves the lives of as many as 50 people. Giving the “Gift of Life” may lighten the grief of the donor’s own family. Many donor families say that knowing other lives have been saved helps them cope with their tragic loss.
Get Started
- Register with your state donor registry, if available.
- Designate your decision on your driver’s license.
- Sign a donor card and carry it with you.
- Download a page of eight donor cards that you may print and sign.
- Talk to your Family. To help your family understand and carry out your wishes, sit down with your loved ones and tell them about your decision to be an organ and tissue donor. They can serve as your advocate and may be asked to give consent for donation or provide information to the transplant team.
To learn more visit www.organdonor.gov
2. there is a huge NEED for donors
| Waiting list candidates | 101,866 | as of 04/27/2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Transplants January – January 2009 | 2,357 | as of 04/27/2009 |
| Donors January – January 2009 | 1,170 | as of 04/27/2009 |
The waiting list is getting bigger and bigger. The number of patients requiring a life-saving transplant continues to increase, and at a much faster pace then available donors. Conservative estimates are that 300 new transplant candidates are added to the waiting list each month.
Get Involved
Be an advocate for organ and tissue donation – help raise awareness of the shortage of donors and the success of transplantation.
3. the Cost (it’s higher if you don’t donate)
If you donate after death your family would be responsible for your medical expenses and funeral costs, costs related to donation are paid by the recipient, usually through insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. People, unfortunately, all die. It’s part of life whether you want to accept it or not. This is a great way to help someone still living.
If you decide to become a living donor there are programs out there to offer assistance while you donate and recover. The Living Donor Assistance Program provides financial assistance to those who want to donate an organ.
Learn more 
Learn if you are eligible for reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses toward donating an organ to an eligible transplant candidate.
More information
4. you have what it takes…Organs and Tissue
Unless your religious beliefs prohibit you from donating, why wouldn’t you? It’s a great cause. At the very least, give it a few minutes of thought.
Most People Can Donate Organs and/or Tissue
All people of all ages should consider themselves potential organ and tissue donors. There are few absolute exclusions (HIV positive, active cancer, systemic infection) and no strict upper or lower age limits.
You Are Never Too Old
No one is too old or too young. Both newborns and senior citizens have been organ donors. The condition of your organs is more important than age. In addition, people on the waiting list might need to be transplanted with an organ that is less than ideal if there is no other suitable organ available in time to save their lives. If you are under 18, you will need the permission of a parent or guardian to donate.
Medical Condition? Don’t Rule Yourself Out
You may still be able to donate your organs. Let the doctors rule you out. You never know, you might be able to SAVE a life!
5. did I mention you’re HELPING!
Above all else, you should consider donating for one reason – IT’S HELPING others who could use it. If you don’t want to become a living donor (let’s face it, many don’t) give the thought of becoming a donor once deceased. To learn more about organ and tissue donation please visit the National Living Donor Assistance Center or OrganDonor.gov.
matthew Z
